Every year when Christmas rolls around, those who celebrate
it go off on the hunt for just the “right” thing(s) for their loved ones.
Be honest – we all get caught up in it. Even those of us who
aren’t remotely materialistic (and I admit I do not include myself in that number) probably still go crazy shopping
and decorating and trying to get everything just right for the holidays.
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| Crazy Xmas shopping capital of the world - NYC, Dec. 2010 |
Most holiday television commercials show families cozily gathered around the tree with a roaring fire in the fireplace, maybe some hot chocolate in hand, as if to emphasize that the togetherness is what matters most (and, of course, it is). Yet there are always piles of presents around the tree, have you noticed that? And obviously, the purpose of the commercial is to sell something that supposedly enhances that warm fuzzy feeling.
So even when we know that the gifts don't really matter, that it's being with your family and friends and sharing time together that matters....we still drive ourselves crazy buying gifts. Why?
Is it because we really enjoy giving? Is it because we hope we'll get some awesome gifts too? Is it because we want our loved ones to know we care and we're scared of seeming cheap?
I should admit something first, and I need your support: "My name is Mama T, and I'm a shopaholic." ("Hi, Mama T.") I have always loved to shop. I especially enjoy clothes (lots and lots of clothes) but also love other gadgets and electronics, such as anything made by Apple or Bose.
Since making some financial mistakes, and even moreso since becoming a parent, I have really curtailed my frivolous spending. With the cost of day care what it is (not to mention evil student loans), I just can't do it like I used to. And really, shopping for Anna is always way more fun than shopping for myself.
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| Anna models - and successfully runs in! - 4 inch heels! (Dec. 2010) |
But. And there's always a "but," isn't there? But....recently I have re-discovered eBay. I bought a few things on their site years ago but quickly tired of the hyper-competitive bidding wars, only to have the item that was almost mine "stolen" in the last 15 seconds by someone else.
Fast-forward a few years later and I have a little girl whose favorite TV shows all went off the air years ago (thanks, Netflix), so I ventured onto eBay to look for items for her for Christmas - particularly things related to Dragon Tales and the Pink Panther. That's where it started, anyway. And wow, is there a LOT of stuff out there I discovered and didn't know I needed, but then started wanting.
So my wish list grew. As did my purchase list. I bought a few things for myself, but mostly just a ridiculous amount of Dragon Tales stuff, with a little Pink Panther thrown in. I didn't know they had Dragon Tales binoculars or a light-up wand that reminds me, old as I am, of the Star Wars light saber I had as a kid. But I figured they were "must-haves" for any young DT fan.
It's ironic, because I am indeed one of those people who genuinely loves Christmas for family time. I always loved our traditions growing up, like reading Christmas stories together with cookies on Christmas Eve after going to church and having a family dinner.
And I love the traditions my own family has started, especially decorating the tree together while listening to unconventional holiday music (check out Twisted Sister's "A Twisted Christmas" sometime) and making ornaments out of femo clay. I'm excited that this year, Anna will be old enough to hang ornaments with us - and maybe she can even make some as well!
There's no magic answer; I suppose I'm just puzzled by the fact that, while I honestly love spending the holidays with my family, and intellectually, I know that matters more than any material gift....I still go overboard spending. Even though I know that spending time together, not spending money, is what really shows my love and makes this time special. And I'm certain that I'm not alone.
What I wonder is....why? Is this the result of socialization and conditioning? Rampant consumerism? Habit? What do you think? More importantly, how do we give our kids a good Christmas from "Santa" and still emphasize that those bright shiny toys are the secondary joy?
Fast-forward a few years later and I have a little girl whose favorite TV shows all went off the air years ago (thanks, Netflix), so I ventured onto eBay to look for items for her for Christmas - particularly things related to Dragon Tales and the Pink Panther. That's where it started, anyway. And wow, is there a LOT of stuff out there I discovered and didn't know I needed, but then started wanting.
So my wish list grew. As did my purchase list. I bought a few things for myself, but mostly just a ridiculous amount of Dragon Tales stuff, with a little Pink Panther thrown in. I didn't know they had Dragon Tales binoculars or a light-up wand that reminds me, old as I am, of the Star Wars light saber I had as a kid. But I figured they were "must-haves" for any young DT fan.
It's ironic, because I am indeed one of those people who genuinely loves Christmas for family time. I always loved our traditions growing up, like reading Christmas stories together with cookies on Christmas Eve after going to church and having a family dinner.
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| Rockefeller Center Dec. 2010 - ok, we really were in NYC but I admit that Uncle Keith totally photo shopped us into this one! |
And I love the traditions my own family has started, especially decorating the tree together while listening to unconventional holiday music (check out Twisted Sister's "A Twisted Christmas" sometime) and making ornaments out of femo clay. I'm excited that this year, Anna will be old enough to hang ornaments with us - and maybe she can even make some as well!
There's no magic answer; I suppose I'm just puzzled by the fact that, while I honestly love spending the holidays with my family, and intellectually, I know that matters more than any material gift....I still go overboard spending. Even though I know that spending time together, not spending money, is what really shows my love and makes this time special. And I'm certain that I'm not alone.
What I wonder is....why? Is this the result of socialization and conditioning? Rampant consumerism? Habit? What do you think? More importantly, how do we give our kids a good Christmas from "Santa" and still emphasize that those bright shiny toys are the secondary joy?
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